Meet Crystal Gemp, a vibrant and dynamic trendsetter with an insatiable passion for travel and lifestyle. Through her engaging online presence, Crystal Gemp has carved out a space to share her musings, stories, and unique perspective on the world.

Crystal’s platform is a delightful mix of fashion inspiration, everyday and special occasion outfit ideas, travel tips and itineraries, beauty insights, lifestyle advice, and self-care recommendations—all served with a healthy dose of humor and heartfelt authenticity. Crystal’s philosophy is simple: life is too short for dull content, and her posts aim to spark joy, inspire adventures, and bring a smile to your face.

When she’s not curating her next post, Crystal Gemp juggles a multifaceted life. She works tirelessly in trauma and emergency medicine, caring for patients with compassion and expertise. Outside the hospital, you’ll find her hiking scenic trails, exploring new destinations, enjoying the company of her two dogs and guinea pigs, getting lost in a good book, sweating it out in a hot yoga class, or catching up with friends over a round of French 75s.

Crystal thrives on discovering and sharing new experiences, always bringing her audience along for the ride. So whether you’re looking for style tips, travel inspiration, or just a fresh perspective on life, Crystal’s world is the perfect place to start. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join her on this exciting journey!

Crystal, welcome to Four Columns, and tell my readers something unique about you.

Thank you for having me! Something unique about me is that I have a deep love for both fashion and emergency/trauma and acute care medicine—two worlds that seem completely different but share a common thread: the ability to think on your feet, adapt, and stay composed under pressure. Whether curating the perfect outfit or making critical decisions in high-stakes situations, I thrive in spaces where creativity and strategy collide.

Additional fun fact about me: I have a HUGE passion for animals and am a big advocate for humane animal rights. When I’m not working, traveling, shopping, or blogging, you can probably find me volunteering at the local humane society (name drop: Humane Rescue Alliance in DC). I walk dogs here as often as possible, and occasionally post the adoptable pets to my social channels to help increase their visibility, showcase their personalities in real-time, and raise their chances for adoption. I also have a bunch of pets at home. Two dogs (Jayce, a 10 y/o labrador/husky mix, and Dakota, a 12 y/o jack-russell/chihuahua mix), one guinea pig named Soup (his bonded mate Salad recently sadly passed away), and one betta fish named Hank. They are my family and keep me sane.

Talk to me about your blog and why we should read it.

My blog is a curated space for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and travel, designed for women who appreciate a mix of trendy, classy, and fashion-forward aesthetics. If you love effortless elegance, staying ahead of fashion trends, and discovering beauty hacks that enhance your natural glow, my blog is for you. Fashion is important to me because I spend a lot of time in the left-brained world of medicine, and therefore fashion is my creative outlet and means of daily self-expression. Curating my outfits each day is empowering to me, and allows me to showcase my independent personality, makes me feel more confident in my skin, and enables me to embrace my femininity. I want to share this powerful feeling with my female subscribers.

I also love to explore new destinations. I haven’t yet ventured outside of the United States, so my travel content is US-based and tailored specifically for solo female travelers. Again, evoking that sense of empowerment and inner confidence.

It’s 2025. Help me understand the fashion trends for women. What should women look forward to wearing?

Well, I can’t give away ALL of my future content now, can I? I will say though, that 2025 fashion is all about intentional dressing; wearing pieces that not only look good but feel good, too. ‘

In January so far, the cherry red color and “cherry-coded” theme is VERY popular. I will be dropping a blog article and some YouTube content on this trend around the 26th of this month.

I think going forward we can also look toward a lot of structural tailoring (so, blazers/coats with structured, but still feminine silhouettes). Some good examples of this are the oversized blazers that a lot of the fashion industry, celebs, and influencers have been styling with form-fitting belts at the waistline and so on. High-glam minimalism will likely continue to be popular (that quiet luxury vibe that I love so very much). Retro-futurism is another trend to be on the lookout for. The late 90s/early 2000s is having a COMEBACK right now and I think the nostalgia will continue to live through the fashion of this year.

Last but not least, eco-chic and sustainable fashion will continue to be emphasized. Therefore, timeless investment pieces are important. Fewer items, better quality, more longevity.

In terms of makeup, 2024 was defined by Sunset Blush. In 2025, will we be taking a walk down memory lane into the 80s bold inspiration?

You know, I never actually jumped onto the sunset blush trend! I’m still working on improving my beauty content and diving more into this type of material.

I do, however, think that there will be an incorporation of the bold features of the 80s when it comes to beauty. I think we’re already seeing some of these aspects in current trends, but in a more subtle tribute. For instance, high shine and glossy finishes for the lips and lids, and I can see colorful eyeliner having a moment at some point this upcoming year.

We have covered clothes and makeup. Are bags in or out?

Bags will ALWAYS be in. Circling back to sustainability, however, I do think that we will see a shift in how handbags are worn and designed. Multi-functional for instance; designs that can be worn in multiple ways. A lot of designers right now are embracing eco-conscious materials and creating sustainable bags that will later become luxury staples.

Additionally, when thinking about how bags are used with transient trends, handbags will likely continue to be used as statement accessories, with more emphasis on sculptural and artistic shapes.

You work in emergency medicine. Help me understand some of the challenges and one unique situation.

Working in emergency medicine means every day is unpredictable. I never know what I’m going to walk into for any given shift. Whether that be volume or the severity of someone’s condition. You have to be prepared for anything and constantly alert and on top of your game.

I’d have to say that some of the biggest challenges, (for me at least) include high-stress decision-making. I work part-time in an emergency department where I see any given number of conditions and situations, and then I work full-time in trauma surgery. When it comes to trauma surgery, we often have seconds to make the right call. One small mistake can be catastrophic for the patient. Every move matters, and we have to balance speed with precision. There’s little room for error.

Regarding my experiences in the field, they’re all unique. Every single patient has their own unique story to tell, comes from very different backgrounds, and has very different sentiments on different things. I enjoy being able to educate my patients so that they have a solid understanding of their current situation and what to expect; whether it’s a positive or negative outcome. I think that so many individuals in my field can lose sight of the fact that we are taking care of other human beings. Human beings with real feelings, real emotions, and real fears. It is so very important that we treat them as such and allow them to navigate any condition they are facing with grace and respect.

I only have a couple of days to visit the US. What are your top recommendations and why?

With only a couple of days to visit, I recommend cities that have a little bit of everything. You need to be able to experience the culture, fashion, food, and any other iconic experience that the US has to offer. I think that this also depends on the type of person you are and your personality.

For instance, if you love fashion, food, and hustle-bustle, then I would highly recommend New York City. NYC has the ultimate mix of all of these things. You have the MET which is iconic in and of itself, you can shop on Fifth Ave, and there are so many restaurants around in which you can experience world-class dining all in 24 hours. I haven’t covered New York yet on my blog, but this is making me feel like I really should, and soon.

Chicago is also a great option. Beautiful architecture, their fashion scene is completely underrated, and also, deep-dish pizza is a must.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

To me, women’s empowerment is about choice, confidence, and community. It’s about having the freedom to define success on our terms—whether that means running a business, excelling in a career, embracing motherhood, or all of the above.

With the heavily divided and highly politicized environment that has become the US over the past several years, women are feeling the effects and ANGER regarding their life-long oppression. It’s not always blatant or loud, and often much more subtle, but it’s definitely there, and we’re frequently reminded in the smallest of ways. It’s so important that we continue to support one another and continue to work toward equality. We cannot give up. We need to continue to lift each other up. When one woman succeeds, it paves the way for others to do the same.

You have flawless skin. Give us your routine.

Ah! Thank you! I tend to change it up quite frequently, but the steps are always the same! Consistency and simplicity are KEY. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and what works well for me, may not be the best option for your skin type and composition!

In the mornings, I typically use a gentle cleanser (my current favorite is Fenty’s Jelly cleanser called “Melt-Awf”), followed by a vitamin C serum for brightness. I utilize a lightweight moisturizer and then complete the routine with a lightweight SPF cream if my moisturizer doesn’t already contain SPF. SPF is so so so important.

At night I do a double cleanse. Once, to take off my make-up, and then again to remove any remaining oil and dirt trapped deep in my pores. Follow this up with a retinol or any hydrating serum. I typically apply an eye cream next (when it comes to skincare, you want to apply the lightweight products first and seal everything in with your heavier moisturizers at the end). Lastly, I top all of this off with a moisturizer. I’ve been using a moisturizer from a brand called Laurens. It’s been doing a great job so far with the cold weather months! I’ll do a face mask right after a cleanse as well once or twice throughout the week!

Above all though, it’s really important to stay hydrated. Make sure you’re getting at least 8 cups of water (64 oz) per day, eating foods that are nourishing for your body, and getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Good skin starts from within!

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Cristina Romero is a Spanish blogger and I catch up with her and discuss life.

Cristina, a pleasure to interview a fellow blogger. Tell my audience something important about you?

Thank you very much, Jerry. I could be compared with the hands of a clock. In other words, I am always “functioning”. I am a very active person and I don’t stay put. I do not think there are enough hours in a day to do everything I would want to do. I am very human; my heart drives me. I like to help people around me. As a result, I find it worthwhile because that shapes the person I am. In conclusion, I am a woman that is very independent, very devoted to others, with clear ideas on her mind and who doesn’t settle.

Tell me a little about your blog and why did you decide to blog?

My blog is the start of a new phase in my life. After having worked in media and communications, I stopped working full time to take care of a family member.

After two years, I created the trademark “by Tina” and designed a handbag collection of different types of material, which were made in Spain. The fixed costs were high and I did not have any financial backing. I, therefore, decided to pursue something that I liked which is writing and having my own blog.

It was challenging at the beginning and a new world for me. I thought through the whole process and designed the website by myself. I am a perfectionist by nature. I took courses on blogging and www.elblogdetina.es was born.

The blog is about my thoughts, reflections, and state of mind on various topics like a visit to a restaurant, my kids, or just cooking. It is a journey.

What kind of journalism do you specialize in? What do you like about journalism?

I have worked in the press and radio.  I did not like what I saw when I started working for different media companies. To my mind ethics are a key feature of individuals, and this should be even more highlighted when you work in the “fourth power”. When I was faced with the truth about journalism, I was hugely disappointed. My ideas around journalism pictured the great reporter investigating for news but the reality is very different.  The news is delivered to you by the big press agencies and that is a debacle for your ideas.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

I believe women need to have their own dignity, be independent, and have their rights acknowledged. I further think that Spain where I live,  men and women have the same rights and opportunities (at least from a legal perspective, which sometimes plays out differently in practice).

When I was born, I had the same opportunities as my brother and the same is true for my friends. Maybe if you look back two generations it was odd to see the same number of men and women study, but nowadays any child born, be it a boy or a girl, will go to school and have the opportunity to go to university and have a future. I don’t see women as a prejudiced social group in Spain because of being born female.

I think that the word empowerment is fully compatible with women, as the word indicates, gain control over their own lives and circumstances. Maybe it is actually the circumstances each of them faces in her life that makes that woman give up on her professional life (be it because she has kids she wants to raise so that she can be independent in the future or because she has a disabled relative who she needs to take care of or due to other reasons…). And it is here where I see that laws don’t work properly: both a woman and a man should be able to take care of their families and home without giving up on financial independence, but there is no government help for this.

How has social media changed your society?

Social media has allowed people to have a broader view of life.  In other words, not everything is controlled by the same media. Therefore, the freedom to express yourself has substantially increased. It is a great tool to exchange information and has led nowadays to a steep change in mass media.

Spanish society has evolved positively in a lot of ways on the back of social media as it has given everyone a voice. The flipside of this is that it gives rise to abuse, to people manipulating social media to achieve their goals or to professional haters hiding behind the anonymous status a profile gives them, but that can be mitigated by the right of every individual to choose what he wants to read, follow or do.

Help me understand some of the challenges you have faced in life and how did you overcome it?

The first was in the workplace. In order to move up in the media world, I faced, as we say in Spain,  “pasar por la piedra”, It means as a woman if your boss comes and tells you that in order to progress you have to have dinner with him (or do anything, as we have recently seen in the cinema world) and when you say no he makes your professional life unbearable until you quit.

Another tougher challenge was when the CEO of my company told all female employees that he didn’t want any of us to get pregnant and that if we did no one could in “his” company (which wasn’t actually his) apply for a part-time job as is set out by Spanish law. When my second child was born, I decided to focus more on my family, and therefore against the will of my boss I notified HR that I applied for the reduced working hours that I was entitled to. They couldn’t obviously object but they made life difficult until I voluntarily left. That challenge has been very important and thanks to the fact that I actually sent that notice to HR and subsequently left women can (and do) now have different options of working hours in that company and can find a work-life balance.

The third challenge was that I was in a relationship with a male chauvinist. When I wore a skirt, it was too short and he wanted me to wear pants. He did not want me to drive and was emotionally abusive.

He was very controlling, negative and it had a deep impact on my personality. He was very aggressive in his character. I became aware of his negative impact on me and mentioned that I wanted to end the relationship. He became manipulative, by threatening to jump out of the window, screaming, and even broken a door to get into the room I had locked myself in.

However, I decided to quit this toxic relationship, as I would never be happy and called it off. We should be free in a relationship and not be subdued and unhappy. I still have to see him because of certain issues but I have learned to forgive and have pity on him.

Talk to me about Spanish society and is it still patriarchal or an equal society?

Spanish society is undergoing constant change. In the last few years, it has changed significantly and there is a long way to go. Spain has a constitution since 1978. We were coming from a completely patriarchal society, where women’s role was basically to be the wife of someone and raise the kids whilst staying at home (with some exceptions). Women gained the right to vote in the 30s, notably 1933 and it was strange to find women studying in university and having a job linked to their career thereafter. The change was accelerated in 1978 and since then boosted, and it has only been 41 years! It is amazing to see how everything has changed since now we live in an equal society.

As I said, most women are free to decide what they want to do in life and if they want to continue with their career or prefer to devote more time to their family and give up a professional career. But there is still a lot to improve regarding maternity leave and the way back to work once it is finished. Rejoining your job isn’t easy and sometimes your salary is not worth it. A lot has to change. You can of course always decide to start your own business and try to balance family life and work that way, but not everyone has the financial capacity to be able to do that and the government doesn’t, unfortunately, help much. On top of that, not everyone has the personality you need to start your own business and prefers to settle for a company or, if you are a woman after maternity leave, stay at home.

Walk me through some of the best restaurants in your city?

The restaurant scene has exploded in Madrid in the last decade.

There is a choice for every palate and wallet. From eating fantastic pinchos in the San Antón market to a nice plate of pasta in an Italian restaurant such as Don Giovanni, Mediterranean food as in La Ancha or El Qüenco de Pepa, nice fish in el Barril or go to restaurants that are more trendy where fusion food or Japanese food are growing such as Amazonico, Bibo, Sushi 99, Inari and many others…. you can also have a great piece of Brazilian meat in Rubaiyat. This is all on top of your classic paella or other rice dishes like in St. James restaurant, but Spanish food goes way beyond paella.  A very welcoming restaurant where you have great food is La Buena Vida, with one of the best cheesecakes in town. Another one of my favorites is Taberna Laredo. I could go on forever…

What is your city famous for and why should we visit it?

Madrid is 1000 years old, historic and one of the greatest European capitals. It is a thriving, cosmopolitan city with a dynamic cultural scene and amazing weather.

Food is an obsession (not least the Mediterranean diet has been considered the most healthy diet worldwide) and there is plenty to choose from as madrileños tend to go out a lot…

On top of that, if you have enough of Madrid, which is very difficult to happen, you have amazing places nearby, including several world heritage sites like Toledo, or the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, or the walls of Avila…all within less than an hour drive.

How do you find balance in modern-day society and what are your priorities?

I think we have gone very quickly from one extreme to the other, from not having the technology available to having access to everything. New technologies bring with them a lot of good things but also give rise to something that is very bad: social isolation. It is very sad when for example I am having dinner in a restaurant and look around me and see most people with their mobile phones, teenagers meeting their friends and each of them just looks at their mobile, rather than speaking to each other, playing cards… there should be more education on the bad use of technology in order to foster healthy, natural and true relationships.

If when you raise kids you should impose time limitations on the use of technology. At home we have rules for the use of technology (including the fact that when we have lunch or gather with our family or friends we can’t use technological devices) and, to be honest, life is good that way because at the end of the day we are people and personal relationships should still be channeled through conversations and face to face instead of through phones or screens.

Balance in modern life would to me be complete equality of rights between men and women, that we were all free people with the ability to think for ourselves, without being conditioned by anyone and that we could all study and work to be truly independent.

The post Cristina Romero: Spain’s Modern Clara Campoamor appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Sharon Hussey is a senior hairstylist who works in the Durham region. Sharon Hussey works for L’Oréal Professionnel Canada as one of their Artistic Portfolio Artists. She travels to teach master classes and present stage work for the current looks and trends for L’Oréal. She has been working as a stylist for a decade and comes from a wonderful family of 8 (4 brothers and 1 sister). Sharon along with her three younger brothers were adopted. This has changed her life and so much of who she is.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8^th every year. It is an important day for women’s rights. On February 28, 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day in New York City. In 1910 at the International Socialist Woman’s Conference, German delegates Paula Thiede, Kate Duncker, and Clara Zetkin suggested a ‘special Women’s Day’ be organized. In 1917, women gained suffrage in Russia and March 8 became a national holiday. Women’s Day was celebrated only in communist and socialist countries. In 1967, the feminist movement adopted it. In 1977, the United Nations began celebrating it.

Four Columns is all about inspiring and empowering women to live a balanced life. To celebrate Women’s Day, I am interviewing various women, from different backgrounds.

I love your exotic and beautiful hairstyle posts on Facebook. Sorry, I cannot be your client, but talk to me about different hairstyles, faces, looks, and what is in style right now?

The great thing about fashion and trends currently is that anything goes, there’s a lot of modern inspirations from previous decades which I can appreciate. I could spend the whole blog on this one question but I won’t and keep it short and straight to the point.

What makes you so special about being a stylist and why should my audience come to see you?

I have always cared about helping others. I want them to feel their best. As a hairstylist, I have the opportunity to spend time with my friends, family, and clients, getting to know them, who they are, who they want to be, and be a small part in making them feel they have their best foot forward. My job is so much more than hair. I build relationships, go through many life experiences, both exciting and amazing, and also horrible and tragic. I have lost clients to health problems, old age as well as see them get married, have babies, graduate from elementary school to finishing their masters. I think my heart for community and my passion for the beauty industry has put me in a unique position to have real conversations with no topics off-limits as well as an unbiased ear to listen when a client needs it as well celebrate when the celebration is a must.

I have seen you perform on stage and I like your funky styles. Help me understand some of the challenges you have faced in life and how did you overcome it?

Fashion and style have always been a fun way to express me. I like to keep my style interesting and current with what’s going on in the industry. My obsession as some may say has been a part of me as early as my memories go. Its hard to explain, but as a creative person both in art and music, I find that fashion is just the extent of that in my life.

My faith has always been a central part of who I am. I think that understanding where I came from and what God has for me has been the foundation of overcoming challenges and obstacles that come my way. I have amazing parents who have always tried their best to guide me and teach me what really matters and that I am stronger and capable of great things even when I don’t feel it.  I think it’s crucial to have mentors and wise people that are further along in this journey of life and so I have surrounded myself with those types of people in all areas of my life. We cannot do life alone, nor should we, so it’s important to know that and seek others that can help you navigate through all that life throws at you.

Time and time again I hear single women tell me the dating scene is horrible in the GTA. What can men and women do better?

I wish I had an answer to this. I don’t think there is a perfect answer that I know of, or at least short enough for this blog.  I just keep doing me and don’t stress or worry about being single. I love where I’m at and what I have accomplished. I refuse to miss out on life, longing for something or someone that isn’t. So that would be my advice, be content and ok in singleness, and don’t put life on hold until a relationship happens. It will happen when it happens.

Rapid Fire Questions

Favorite restaurant in Toronto: El Catrin (Mexican style) -Distillery District

Favorite Café: Jet Fuel – Cabbage Town which is in my neighborhood or Boxcar Social on the Toronto Harbour Front

Favorite Shopping Mall: Toronto Eaton Center is my go-to because its the closest to me but I also love a good outlet with lots of good sales.

What are you reading presently: I am not a huge reader, but started reading Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming”. She’s such a leader and her story is so incredible from where she started in Chicago to then becoming the first lady. She had so many obstacles but never let that stop her from pursuing her dreams and I find that so inspirational.

What are you listening to these days: I listen to a lot of podcasts. Most are about true crime, comedy, and personal growth, it all depends on what I’m feeling as I’m commuting to work. I have to say it has made commuting so much better and less frustrating.

Favorite Quote: I don’t have a favorite quote but my favorite poem is: Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frighten us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

You’re playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

Choose someone famous you would like to have a meal with: It’s actually a famous couple, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell. I find them funny, smart, and fascinating.

You are on your feet a lot and are constantly working. How do you balance faith, finance, time with friends, and food?

Oh man, this is the golden question. To be honest, it’s a constant struggle and I’m still trying to figure it out. Some days I am great at it and some days I am horrible at it. I think the key is to recognize the importance and put a plan together to make sure that there is some balance. I have gone down to 4 days at the salon, so when I work my contract work with L’Oréal, I am working a 5-day week and not a 6-day week. I’m learning to say no and not yes to every commitment asked. I’m really paying attention to my limits. I try to see friends at least once a week and sometimes more and talk to family a few times a week, especially if I can’t see them. It’s really all a juggling act and I’m constantly trying to figure it out and keep it balanced.

The post Sharon Hussey: Swagger, Sympathy and Sensibility appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Jerome Ransome is an independent recording artist running a small business called Simply Sing Vocal Coaching for 7 yrs. I catch up with him and talk about life.

Jerome, welcome to my series on musicians. Please tell my audience a little about you?

My Name is Jerome Ransome. I live in Downtown Toronto. I’m a singer/songwriter/recording artist/ private vocal coach/worship leader.

Talk to me about being a worship song leader?

I have been doing worship since I was 15 years old. I took part in singing on a worship team to leading worship. I had great mentors and leaders. They saw potential in a shy kid and began to draw and nurture the natural ability they saw in me.

Explain your songs, your style, creative process and your journey as an independent record artist?

I began to do studio vocal work when a mixer/ recording engineer heard me sing in church one morning and approached me about singing the songs he had made but needed lyrics and the right voice. I was around 17 at that time and had never written lyrics or a song in my life. He told me to go home and listen to the songs and write what I feel when listening to them. He said I believe you have things to say through words and melodies. So, I took a chance and did what he asked of me and that’s how I began to write songs.

When it came to style and my creative process as an artist I draw from a variety of styles of music like funk, R&B, rock, blues, and soul. I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Rait, the arrangement of the grand piano, relaxed bass, and drums just drew me in sound-wise, alongside the emotion she expressed through every word and melody till today impacts me musically. I felt her soul coming through the song. I like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Michael McDonald, to the opposite style voice of rockers like Linkin Parks, Chester, Def Leopard, Chris Martin of Coldplay…to present-day vocalist like Jon McLaughlin who is one of my favorite male vocalists. I began to appreciate good talent, no matter the style, which I believe sometimes some artists and musicians don’t look at.

How important is music to us as human beings and as a community?

Music to me as a human being is very important since my life is all-encompassing.

I’ve seen the ability, music has to reach and speak to individuals at the core. Music, when taken in and enjoyed, can be an amazing experience, if the person not only listens to the words of the song the artist penned but goes on the journey with the songwriter that can even speak to one’s heart and soul.

Community wise, music can bring the most unlikely people together, through beats, sounds, melodies and instruments.

You have merged your songwriting passion with the business world very well. Help other artists how to do that?

A lot of hard work is needed when it goes from a hobby to a career. You need to remain focused and give full attention to your craft and develop discipline. You need to surround yourself with musicians that are better than you to catapult you to a different space as a musician or singer. These are important to apply in order to develop a career and you need to take it seriously.  I have learned that this can be the difference between people in this industry taking you on and working with you.

Walk me through your life, the challenges, the highs, the lows and what have you learned from it in the music business?

Doing music for a living is hard. Anyone who has developed a successful career or is on a journey to becoming ‘successful’ knows the ‘ups and downs’ of the industry. The constant rejections and the financial challenges you will face are facts about this type of career. However, you have to be consistent, persistent and keep that passion and focus every day continuously pressing forward when it is rough’ and it will determine your outcome.

How important is faith, finance, food, and family to you?

It is important to have a strong family to rely on when you are discouraged. You need personal support to reach the goal of becoming a singer/ musician/ recording artist. Developing also a schedule with rest and what you eat with what you take in food and nutrition-wise, I found it affects your performance as a singer or musician. Over the past year, I have changed my diet to include more greens, fruits and vegetables and the amount I would eat. I began working out and saw a big change in my body along with how I feel and the energy I need which is important to perform as an artist.

What are your future plans and goals? If someone wants to buy your songs, please give me the website.

My future goals are to do a little more traveling, singing, and songwriting. I like collaborating with other songwriters for inspiration as it has worked for me.

I also wish to one day make a music video for one song which I always envisioned since I was a teenager.

I am presently doing backup vocals for Travis Eugene in the studio and will be touring with him. This is an exciting new journey for me musically and personally that I wish to achieve as a singer/songwriter. The sky is the limit in 2019. Thank you, for hearing me out. Look for future music to come from an independent recording artist.

The post A musician I am appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

I admire stay-at-home-moms. They have one of the most important jobs in the world. William Wallace, in his famous poem, talks about the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. Do we give enough credit to stay-at-home moms?  Do we give enough credit to moms? T.D. Jake talks about the influence a mother has on her child. She understands her child’s language and sets the garden for the child to grow, flourish, and become empowered.

Charlotte Petit Noble is a business coach, blogger, and podcaster. She is on a mission to empower stay-at-home moms to start and grow a profitable online business in 90 days or less with ease, clarity, and confidence without sacrificing their uniqueness and family life in the process. I like a lot of things that Charlotte stands for in her personal and professional life. I ask her a little about herself and the qualities one needs to be an entrepreneur.

Charlotte, please explain when you say ‘I promote simple and intentional living, working with passion’?

Less is more. For a long time, I made things complicated in my life, but since I came to the U.S. ten years ago, I decided to explore another way of living: simple and more intentional. I stopped comparing myself to others and became more mindful of my thoughts and actions. I always believed in the power of my mind, and that the Universe has my back, but I really never uncovered the ins and outs until I came to the U.S. and had no other choice. My slate was clean, and no one knew me yet. I chose to make the most of it.

In a way, my subconscious prepared me to become a mom someday.

When you become a mom, you have no more time for fluff. Suddenly, time accelerates, and you realize that life is short. Too short to waste your time and energy on things that do not serve your body, mind, and soul. My way of overcoming the fear of missing out with my family and my business, toward my goals. Living with passion allows me to be present and avoid all distractions that a highly connected mom has during one day.

I set boundaries and I keep my promises to others but, most importantly to myself.

Parisian food is important to you. Talk to me about food in your family?

Believe it or not, food has never been a big concern of mine. But what’s true is that I make the time to choose and cook products that will make my family healthy, energized, and happy.

I cook a little bit pretty much every day; I like fresh products. COVID-19 makes it challenging to go grocery shopping every two days, but we found a way that works for us. On Friday, my husband goes to the store, and I cook during the weekend for the rest of the week. I batch so I can keep things under control during the weekdays when I have less time to do so.

I am not a typical French in the sense that I don’t eat cheese, no meat either, and no bread at all. My husband and son do, though, and I am happy to cook for them.

Was moving to LA challenging? What do you like about LA?

I love challenges. When we moved to LA 10 years ago, I did not speak English at all. It was enough of a challenge for me to accept to follow my husband.

I had to quit my corporate job, but that was easy as I felt like I could not grow anymore there.

My plan was to learn English and look for another corporate job that will satisfy my ambition. Nothing happened the way I planned, although I did learn English and fell in love with the language. I did not even think that I could love English that much.

The biggest challenge came right after I knew how to speak English: the job hunt! See I had a wife visa that did not allow me to be hired. Bummer! So I fight. I fight to be hired and find the company that will give me a visa. The Universe had other plans for me, and I followed them.

I became my own boss and started an online business. I freelanced a lot at first. Then I build several businesses. I even went back to school and became a hairstylist. I had big successes and huge failures. I am grateful for all of them because I would not be where I am, who I am, and with who I am without all these experiences.

I see the family is important to you. I want to know about your family and what are some of the important things to keep family together and engaged?

I have known my husband for the past 19 years. We met when I was 16. We have been married for the past 8 years and had our first baby last year in 2019. I said “first baby” because we want more.

Since we met, our love for each other has never stopped growing. It is exponential. We are good people in general, but together we are great. We are a great team that keeps expanding.

One of the things I think keeps us together is that we don’t talk about our work. We support each other when needed. We celebrate our successes. We respect each other decisions, but when we are together, we choose to leave the work hassle out of the house.

We decide to be together to be present for one another. Work is work and when we are together we make the most of it.

I am the one who brings everyone together at home. I am pretty darn proud of it. I am the number one support for our son during the weekdays, which allows me to watch him grow, and that’s the most awesome show I’ve ever watched.

Routines are a big part of our life. I believe I could not do it all without our rituals. It’s like dancing around our life. Routine makes it simpler and easier for us to enjoy each other presence.

I am a big believer in empowering women with their finances. Talk to me a little about this concept?

Absolutely agree with your statement. I believe most women have limiting beliefs and blocks when it comes to money. Depending on your education, there are still beliefs that hold women back from making the money they deserve.

Money and finances are a big part of how we, as women, feel about ourselves. It has a huge impact on our ability to feel confident and overcome the imposter syndrome that holds most of us back to accomplish more and earn more.

Money has become the number one way for most of us to feel recognized.

Owning a business involves work. What are some of the qualities one should have to be successful in online business?

Flexibility is my number one tip. Chaos will happen, no matter what. Controlling what we can’t control is a huge mistake. It drains our energy down, and it makes us unhappy. The only way out of it is to go with the flow and enjoy the process along the way. We all come from the same place, and we all go to the same destination.

Time-management is my number two, and even more when you are a mom. That’s one of my favorite topics. I believe that you don’t need to work crazy hours to build a successful business, and I want all moms to know it. Anything is possible with a little organization, dedication, and of course, passion.

Last but not least, focus. Celebrate others’ successes, but keep moving forward toward your own goals. It’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Your uniqueness makes the road you take unique. Get inspired by others, but never compare your pace and successes to others. This will save you time, energy, and headaches.

How has marriage and motherhood changed your life?

Totally for the best. I am becoming my best version, thanks to my marriage and motherhood. I explore new awesome things in my life, thanks to my husband and my son.

Love has become exponential and life has been much more fun and interesting since marriage and motherhood happened.

My marriage and motherhood have made me complete. It is not just about me anymore. It’s about finding harmony, dancing under the rain, and loving being wet.

It is messy and chaotic sometimes but I love our mess and chaos. Overall that’s my best way to live my life.

I want to know how you define woman empowerment?

To me, woman empowerment is allowing every woman on Earth to live their life fully. It’s to allow them to be themselves and follow their wildest dreams knowing that anything is possible. Women are resourceful, and they need to know and embrace their superpower.

The post Empowering Stay-at-Home Moms appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Anna is 31 years old from Stavropol, Russia and has lived in St. Petersburg for 15 years. She graduated with a degree in clinical psychology. However, she did not pursue it as she did not like it. She presently works as a purchasing manager for a chain of stores that focus on clothes for tourists.

She loves dancing, listening to music, photography, traveling, painting, spending time in nature, by the sea or in the mountains and leading an active life. She is not interested in going to Mars and loves Earth and everything it has to offer.

Anna wants people to know that Russians are “kind, sincere, hospitable, united and fair people. We do think differently. We are a resistant bunch as life is difficult in Russia. However, we enjoy life.”

For the first time, I have conducted an interview through Google translate which made it interesting.

Talk to me about the city you live in? What is the food, restaurant, and fashion scene? Why should we visit it?

Stavropol is small, beautiful, and picturesque with a population of 900 thousand people. In 2018, it was in the top 10 cleanest cities in Russia. Stavropol has a rich history, is close to the mountains, and is incredibly beautiful. We do not have a lot of restaurants. However, our cuisine is famous for its dishes that are hearty, spicy, rich, and colorful. The food is like our people, temperamental and welcoming. As our guest, you will be well-fed, cheerful, and happy. Once you visit Stavropol, you will never forget it. When you visit, see the sunrise against the mountains as a backdrop. The mountains are 3257 meters above sea level. Also, drink our delicious wine and dance the folk dances with us.

How important is your family to you? What are some of the fun things you do with them?

Family is a sensitive and very difficult topic for me. My father passed away eight years ago. I live with my mom and we focus on enjoying life. My mother makes very beautiful jewelry with her own hands. I love to visit the mountains with my mother and she paints beautiful landscapes. I also snowboard.

We have a family curse which is funny and mysterious. We have all had our front teeth knocked out during childhood. When I was 7 years old, a boy from high school pushed me. I fell and knocked out a tooth. My dad at the age of 8 had his tooth knocked out while playing hockey with a friend in the yard. My mom at the age of 9 was involved in ballroom dancing and accidentally knocked off her front tooth.

What does women empowerment mean to you as a 21st-century woman?

The woman of the 21st century has been given many rights and this has led her to become stronger, powerful, and independent. Men are not taking care of women and cannot accept matriarchy in a family setting. Women take care of everything in the home and cope with all the issues. I find it a challenge to find a man to start a family with. I had a few relations with men and found them weaker morally.

Life is difficult for all of us. Help me understand something difficult you went through and what you learned from it?

The death of my father has been the most difficult and tragic event for me. It affected me personally. I had to grow up, make decisions and become responsible fast. Until my father’s death, I was a carefree person. I knew my dad would always be there to take care of my problems. My mom got depressed and we dealt with his death together.

My paternal grandmother had a tough time as she buried her husband and her only son. I spend a lot of time with my grandmother as she gets lonely. I go to the park and the movie theatre with her. I have it good and do not complain.

How has social media changed you?

Social media is part of our everyday life. My day does not begin with coffee but going through the news feed on Facebook, Instagram, and VK on my smartphone. You soon realize you get so immersed in it that it takes all your free time. You do not have time to develop an independent mind or read literature or go to the theatre. You get caught up in it and see other people live their lives. I finally realized that it was invading my private space and so I do not see the news feed as often.

If you had a choice to have a meal with 5 men or women who would it be and why have you chosen these people and what question would you ask them?

I would love to go for dinner with my father and talk to him about how much I miss him and how life is not the same without him. The second is Lesh. I would not go to a restaurant with him but to the seashore. I would make a tent and have a romantic dinner with sandwiches and a thermos of herbal tea. The third would be Jared Leto. I am fascinated with his creativity and outlook on life. I just want to be around him and enjoy the meal. I would like to have dinner with Pavel Durov the founder of VK and Telegram in a luxury restaurant in Dubai. I admire him and his success and would like to ask him about his business skills, taking on risks, and embracing failure. Finally, it would be someone from a teenage shelter. I would like to mentor her. I would tell her to stay from alcohol and drugs and to become the best she can.

Talk to me about things you want to change about Russian men?

I want Russian men to become teetotalers. Alcoholism is rampant and has created lots of problems. Other than that, I like everything about Russian men.

The post From Russia With Love appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Cosmetics are products designed to enhance or transform the appearance of the face and body, highlighting beauty and improving skin smoothness. They can be made from natural or synthetic ingredients and include items such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick. In the United States, cosmetics are regulated by the FDA to ensure their safety and quality.

Today, I am delighted to interview Fiona Poh, a talented content creator from Singapore who runs a popular YouTube channel dedicated to makeup artistry and beauty tips.

Fiona, welcome to my blog. Tell me something important about you?

Arts and food are my motivation in life. Seeing beautiful dishes brightens my mood. The colors and displays of food often intrigue me.

Art of all kinds, such as music and drawings, often serves as a healing energy for me. Whenever I am tired, stressed or worn out, I look towards music and drawings to relax.

Art also enables me to express myself whenever I have that desire.

Walk me through your YouTube channel. What is it all about?

My YouTube channel is Fiona Poh. It is mainly an outlet for me to share my makeup ideas, my love for music, and some of my travels, both locally and globally. I started my YouTube channel with makeup tutorials. Makeup has always been my interest and inspiration. I am always inspired by beautiful things which made me want to do makeup tutorials. My makeup tutorials often contain tips that I learned through YouTube videos and beauty magazines while experimenting with my own choice of colors. I love Korean makeup for their natural and yet sophisticated feel. American makeup is also interesting as they bring out the creative side in a person.

Did you choose Tumblr for your blog? What is your blog about? Why did you choose this medium?

I chose Tumblr for my blog. I did not manage to consistently update it as I was focusing on other things in my life. My blog is basically about my daily life and the things I learned. Thus, it contains some of my everyday activities. I chose Tumblr as it is easy to log in and fuss-free. It also provides nice and decent layouts for bloggers. It is convenient for updating posts.

Who is your audience and why should we read and watch your channel?

My audiences are usually food and art lovers. Read my channel if you want to expose yourself to engage in new food ideas, new art inspirations, and relaxation. We learn from everyone. And I hope my ideas will be inspiring for others to create their own. I am not really a food or art expert. However, I am someone who does have inspirations and ideas. I hope everyone can pursue their inspirations and desires despite their fears. I hope everyone can listen to their inner voice and do what they really love. I hope everyone finds comfort in my ideas. Whenever people are stressed or troubled, I hope my channel is a source of comfort and relaxation.

Talk to me about your city, the food, music and why should we visit it?

My country is Singapore. I am proud of my country definitely.

Singapore is a beautiful country with wide choices of good food. Visit Singapore if you love food. We have food from several ethnicity and countries. Our local art scene is growing with new actors; actresses and singers. Visit our local pubs and cafes to catch local talents to display their prowess while you relax in this beautiful country.

We have a beautiful airport with several terminals, food and especially the famous shopping mall, Jewel. Must try in Jewel is A&W! Their root beer float is damn famous. Our beautiful jazz music at the airport is very relaxing.

Help me understand what women’s empowerment means to you? How is it dealt with in your culture?

Women’s empowerment means allowing a woman to have freedom of expression, speech, and decisions which will equip women with self-confidence. Gender equality is very much present in Singapore. Singapore’s women often have the freedom to express themselves and make decisions for themselves. Several of Singapore’s women are highly educated and have their own thoughts. Often in families, husbands and wives do work. Women’s rights are prominent in Singapore. I feel Singapore’s women are pretty much empowered and self-sufficient.

Life is challenging? Let us talk about something challenging you have been through and how did you deal with it?

Life is challenging, definitely. We are always faced with new fears, new problems, and unpredictable failures. Challenges and failures make us grow and build resilience. We cannot change who we are as a person, but we can always find betterment in the things we do. Something challenging I have been through was discovering more about myself and questioning my purpose. I seek some friends’ opinions, guidance, and reflect this gathered information by relating them to my wants and eventually arrive at a conclusion. I realized more things about myself and it was rewarding.

You are banished to an island and can only take five things with you. What would those be and why?

I would take my iPhone, iPhones power bank, water bottle, portable stove, and pot. iPhone and iPhones power bank allows me to take photos of the island until the power bank depletes. At least, I have retained memories of the island. Water bottles, portable stove and pot are things for me to survive on the island. Who doesn’t need food and water?

Rapid-fire questions for you:

Favorite food

My favorite food is my mum’s Peranakan dish, Ayam Buah Keluak. Being half-Peranakan, I am usually addicted to Peranakan food. Ayam Buah Keluak contains the original flavors of Peranakan in their sauces and I love prawns in my Buah Keluak’s paste. Prawns are my favorite!!

Favorite music

I do not really have favorite music. Any music that is nice, I will listen to them. I love the different melodies and styles produced by each songwriter or musician. They give me the inspiration to write songs. I love to be exposed to various kinds of music genres as they broaden my mind.

Favorite group

I do have a favorite group though and it was Tohoshinki; also known as Dong Bang Shin Gi. I started to listen to Kpop because of them and their amazing powerful vocals. Their visuals are astounding. I still remembered myself humming Balloons and Mirotic.

Favorite fashion designer

My favorite fashion designer is Kate Spade. It is a pity she passed away. Several talents have been claimed by suicide and it is something that I hope will not happen again. I hope society is more aware of mental illness. I hope the world is more empathetic and open-minded towards sufferers of mental illness. I think more love, care, and mercy will make this world a better place.

Please write a short song for me?

I made a prayer

For skies to remain blue

Let’s be hopeful

Life is a ride

For we don’t know what might

The post Makeup Looks appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

What is women’s fashion style for 2020? Jenisha Patel a DIY fashion blogger answers questions on fashion and food.

Jen, welcome to four columns, a lifestyle blog on food, faith, finance, and family. I want to know something about you that no one else knows. 

I’m just a girl, who loves fashion and secretly wants to be a personal shopper. I love learning new things and I am crazy about k-pop.

What is Jeny’s Closet all about? Who is your audience and why should we visit your blog?

Jeny’s Closet is a blog about lifestyle, fashion, trend, style & how to’s. I share an outfit every week & talk about the latest trend & how you can style a piece of clothing. My audience is those, who are looking for styling tips & tricks with minimal clothing & accessories. I created this blog to share my views on fashion & styling.

Walk me through what is different and unique about your women’s fashion style?

My way of dressing is comfort, minimal and classy. It’s not something you wear, it’s how you style it.

Explain to me what fashion means to you?

As I described in my last blog “Fashion is not about wearing expensive clothes or wearing fewer clothes, it’s about how you style and reform that piece of clothing to express oneself.”

Which city do you live in? What is exciting about it? Tell me a little about the food, fashion, and the music scene?

I’m currently living in Vadodara, (Gujarat, India). I moved here 10 years ago. It is home to me and I never want to leave. Vad in the Gujarati language is for the banyan tree. That is why it is called the city of banyan trees (Vadodara).

Vadodara is known for its industries, furniture, textiles, palaces, museums, and handicrafts.

Food — It’s a city with food culture. It is famous for many mouthwatering dishes. Famous dishes are — Sev Usal, Gujarati Khichdi and lots of street foods.

Fashion — It goes from western to traditional clothing. India is a country of festivals, cultures, and traditions. People here love to get dressed up for a festival. They are many textile & handicraft industries, which are often visited by many successful Indian designers.

Music — There are many music festivals or events always taking place. You can always hear music rhythms from a marriage,  concert or festival. Many people take part in learning music regardless of their ages.

Jen, help me understand what does women’s empowerment means to you?

As an Asian country, some women here are still dependent on others for their living. So I wish I could encourage those women to have their choices, dreams, and voice. I just want to say this to every woman all around the world — Ladies, be educated, keep learning, be strong and you can achieve anything in life.

Your generation has amazing opportunities that the previous generation did not have. Name me some of them and how are women taking advantage of it?

In my opinion, previous generations of women didn’t have many opportunities. There were only two choices, you either got educated or you got married. But nowadays, I see many women coming forward, accepting to learn more, work more and get settled on their own terms. Women today have made a significant contribution to society.

Life can be challenging…can you relate to this statement?

Yes, it is challenging and it will always be. Because I think I’m still struggling, still learning and still have many failures. But I guess I started taking my problems as a challenge, that how can I overcome my fears, my failures & my lacking self-confidence. To begin this “JENY’S CLOSET” itself was a challenge for me. Whether I should do it or not, am I capable enough to inspire others, or will I get a positive response or negative one. But I decided not to think much and rather do it. And here I am answering these questions. I feel proud of myself for overcoming fears and not quitting it.

Food, faith, finance, and family…What is important to you and how do you balance it all?

In order of importance, the family is first for me. I am grateful to my parents for working so hard and to give us this beautiful life. Second is faith as, without faith, we cannot achieve anything in life. Whether to have faith in oneself or others. The third is finance — It also an important factor. I grew up learning how to control money. I wonder how my parents raise us with our endless demands. It’s important to learn to invest in something that we need instead of what we want. Food in the last place is because without above all the factors, there’s no food.

Please, complete Love is… Food is…Without love there is…

Love is eternal.

Food is life.

Without love there is nothing.

The post 2020 Women’s Fashion Style appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

In a world that often celebrates perfection and conformity, the most profound strength lies in embracing your true self. “Just Be You” is a gentle reminder that authenticity is not only enough—it’s everything.

This post delves into the transformative power of self-acceptance, encouraging you to shed the masks and expectations that society places upon you. By embracing your unique qualities and quirks, you unlock a life of genuine connection, inner peace, and fulfillment.

Join us as we explore the beauty of living authentically and the profound impact it can have on your well-being and relationships.

Please tell me what is Debs Decorative Life all about? Who is the audience? Why should we visit it?

Deb’s Decorative Life is about helping busy moms to be less stressed by offering household and life hacks so they can spend more time with their families.  Deb’s Decorative Life inspires and encourages you to “Just Be You, Your Own Unique Self”. I want my busy moms to lead their own decorative life whether it is trying a new recipe or DIYing their own party decorations.

My audience is mainly busy moms with kids.  The single, millennial working woman also follows Deb’s Decorative Life for fast, practical, easy, simple ideas to help get her in and out of the kitchen faster.

You should visit Deb’s Decorative Life if you want to be less stressed in the kitchen and in life.  Anyone can lead their own decorative life if they apply my tips, tricks for DIY, recipes, gift ideas, and family fun. 

How did the blog come about? How is everything going so far?

After years of everyone asking for my household advice, I decided to share my expertise with the world.  If I can lead a decorative life, then, you can too!  People are too stressed and I want to lessen the stress of running a household.

I am happily experimenting with ideas and projects to help run your household in a simpler effective way.  I love it when I get an email from my readers asking me for help.  I am so happy to support them. 

Explain to me the challenges of blogging?

The challenge of blogging is coming up with more new, easy, simple, innovative ideas to keep your household running smoothly.

I am also working on a book or two while I am blogging.

I am also a busy mom and my family depends on me.

I am also a VIP Juice Crew Brand Ambassador for Old Orchard Brands so I always trying to come up with new ideas and recipes to share with my audience.

My website loves to give me tech problems that started over the last 4-6 months.  Updates can cause images to disappear.  There are days when I can barely work on my website and it jumps all over the place when I hit the enter key.

I am determined not to let that challenge get to me!  Somehow, I always manage to get posts on my website.

What does women empowerment mean to you?

When I think about women’s empowerment, I think about strong, confident, determined women who are willing to learn how to run a business.  These women offer help and support to other women in business so that they can both succeed.  Women’s empowerment is about women putting themselves out there so that they can lead, achieve and thrive in business and in life.

We all go through challenges in life. Name a specific life challenge you have been through and how you dealt with it?

I remember, last summer, when our college son got severely sick with migraines that made him sick to his stomach every day for a little over a month.

He was in and out of urgent care about 3 or 4 times a month.

I also had to re-schedule his graduation party because he was so sick.  He even almost missed his 2nd graduation party because he was still sick.  He refused to let me cancel his party and re-schedule again.

My blog suffered!  I was barely paying any attention to my blog.

My son needed me and I wanted to be there for him.  He was miserable, in pain and vomiting every day.

After he got better, I refused to look at my blog stats and my social media followers.

I just concentrated on getting myself back on my feet with the blog and social media.  I wrote blog posts, social media posts and concentrated on getting followers.

I was super focused for a month and wore myself out trying to play catch up.  After a month, I finally went back to my usual schedule.

How do you come up with ideas for your blog?

I picked 4 areas of concentration for my blog DIY, Recipes, Holidays/Events, and Family.  I give household and life hacks for these topics in my blog posts.  I also share my experiments, hints, tricks, and tips in a blog post to help lessen my audience’s stress of running a household.

I want you to give yourself some advice on 26 36 and 46?

At age 26, I would say that if you are living with your parents, follow their rules but go after your dream now.  The risk isn’t as risky because your parents are providing you with a roof over your head and will always have food for you.

At age 36, I would say that you shouldn’t let your kids or family life hold you back from doing something for you.  In the long run you loose yourself and end up feeling empty with regret and anger.

At age 46, I would say that it’s never too late to just jump in and do what you want to do in life.  Go after it!

I want you to give 5 pieces of advice to women under 35?

The sooner you follow your dream, the better.  Don’t wait so you don’t regret it.

You have a lot of time ahead of you.  If you fail, get up and keep trying until you get it right.

Don’t overspend. It only hurts you in the long run and the challenge of paying off debt weighs on you until it is paid off.

You are going to attract or repel people, either way, there is nothing you can do about it. Accept it.

Practice getting out of your comfort zone. That is the key to a more fulfilled and successful life.

How has food, faith, finance, and family made an impact on your life?

I find myself taking pictures of what I eat or make for social media or the blog.

I have a lot of faith and I believe you are on the path that you are meant to be on in life.

My family survived when my husband was unemployed 3 times in 2 years.  It was extremely rough but we got through it.  My household hacks, couponing, DIY, and budgeting really helped.

Family time is important to me and I enjoy coming up with lots of ideas for family fun.

The post Just Be You appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

With a population of over half a billion Millennials, India’s young adults are shaping the future of one of the world’s most dynamic nations. And among them is Richa Bhardwaj — a bright, candid, and passionate woman from the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh. A postgraduate in biotechnology and a proud modern Indian woman, Richa brings her own brand of authenticity, humor, and courage to every conversation she enters.

In this interview, Richa opens up about everything from her love for fashion and selfies to her deep concerns about women’s safety in India. She shares what her generation craves most: acceptance, freedom, and change. Whether she’s talking about her favorite local foods or boldly calling for reform in the justice system, Richa speaks with a voice that is both personal and representative of millions.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Richa to hear her story — a glimpse into the heart of a modern Indian millennial woman. She’s real, she’s fierce, and she’s not afraid to say what needs to be said.

Let’s get to know her.

Richa, you are representing half a billion Millennials in India. What should I know about you?

Thanks, Jerry for choosing me to represent half a billion Millennials in India. Wow! No pressure. It’s a pleasurable moment for me.

Hello everyone. I am Richa Bhardwaj from Himachal Pradesh, India. I am a post-graduate in biotechnology, kind-hearted, compassionate in nature &  at many times an emotional fool.

Share with me some of your passions and hobbies?

I am passionate about shopping and trying all the new dresses and clothes that I buy. My hobby is to take selfies in different clothes and post them on social media.

Explain to me a little about your city, the food, culture, and some favorite restaurants?

I live in Solan (the Heart of Himachal Pradesh). It is a very quiet, peaceful and beautiful place.

The people here are very simple like me.  Solan has a lot of options for food, especially for those who want to explore and relish the local cuisines of Himachal.

The staple meal consists of dal, rice, roti, vegetables, and curd. Solan also has a number of traditional delicacies to savor like Lushke (pancake), Sidu (stuffed bread) and Poode (fried sweet roti).

My favorite restaurant is at Hotel Deventure.  I also like to chill at Café Coffee Day.

The historic UNESCO World Heritage Kalka Shimla toy train stops in my city. It was built by Herbert Septimus Harington in 1855 during the British rule. The railway line goes for 96 kilometers, through 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges and a mind-blowing 900 curves. Tunnel 33 known as Barog tunnel is the most haunted place in India.

You are a modern woman in India. What does your generation want?

In my opinion, our generation wants acceptance of our views and life choices, freedom of expression with no retaliation, and freedom to follow our goals and our passions, with no judgment.

Name a couple of things you want to change about society?

I want to change the mentality and thinking of society, which I know for sure, I will never be able to change.. especially in India. India is the most unsafe country for women on the planet. I firmly believe that the courts need to be fast-tracked for rape cases and the perpetrators need to get the death penalty. This will deter men from raping women.

Help me understand some of the things you like about present-day society?

Yeah for sure. In our present-day society, women are empowered which has enriched India. Indian society is accepting progressive changes that are good for all.

What are three things that you cannot live without?

Heee… I cannot live without my family, my best friend and my wardrobe.

What do you want us to know about the Millennials?

India is home to half a billion Millennials. Today, these millennials form nearly half of India’s workforce. We are increasingly emerging as the chief wage earners, and are also under the spotlight for our spending and investment patterns. 

How is faith, family, finance and food important to you?

My family is my strength and my biggest weakness too. I think it’s enough to describe my love for family. Finance is important, as I am a shopaholic. I follow a strict diet and I need it to survive.

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